Kajal Odedra, UK director at Change.org said: “That is the fastest growing petition we’ve seen in the UK this year.

“The speed with which this grew shows how powerful online campaigning can be.

“In just 24 hours we’ve seen hundreds of thousands of people start and sign petitions on either side of the Uber/TFL debate.

“Sites like Change.org show how quickly the voices of ordinary citizens can become part of a debate between corporations and Government departments – a debate that previously would be held behind closed doors.”

Uber, which is used by 3.5 million people and 40,000 drivers in London, has hit back, saying it will appeal and claiming the move “would show the world that, far from being open, London is closed to innovative companies”.

A union representing Uber drivers said its members face going bust as they rely on money from fares to pay for their cars.

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said he wants London to be “at the forefront of innovation and new technology” but insisted that companies must “play by the rules”.